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Study Guide Matthew 24: 1–28 - Staying the Course May 27, 2018 Welcome (40 Minutes) Be intentional to have authentic relationships…

Worship (5 Minutes) As the group transitions from of a time of fellowship to a time of intentional study of the word, it is important to facilitate that transition with a time of worship. This can look like praying together, singing songs together, or rejoicing in what the Lord has done throughout the week.

Word (45 Minutes) As we look at Jesus’ five discourses in Matthew, we see Matthew and the other disciples “at the feet of Jesus.” These teachings are in the context of Jesus’ calling and equipping the twelve apostles to go and make disciples of all nations. In our nine months of studying Jesus’ five discourses of Matthew we will be sitting at the feet of Jesus learning the ins-and-outs of being disciple-makers ourselves. Our prayer is that we will be challenged to understand that we were saved in order to be disciple-makers and that we will be inspired to sit at the feet of Jesus to be equipped for our calling to be disciple-makers. For further study on this weeks study please check out the following pages...

Action Step 


Memorize Matthew 24:25, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Calendar May 28th- June 1st — Camp in the City June 11th-16th — Youth Camp June 24th — Community Group and Service Team sign up begins June 24th-28th — Camp Electric

Welcome (40 Minutes) As you fellowship with one another, please be intentional about sharing what the Lord is doing in your lives. Get to know one another and encourage one another. Are your conversations pointing one another toward Christ?

Worship (5 Minutes) If you are looking for a song to sing this week, here are the lyrics to “Reckless Love”:

Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me You have been so, so good to me Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me You have been so, so kind to me

When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me You have been so, so good to me When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me You have been so, so kind to me

There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me

And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine And I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine And I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me

Word (45 Minutes) Commentary: Read Matthew 24:1-28 In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus foretells the future and talks about the end of the word. In this chapter there is a danger that we will miss truths that affect our eternity because we are caught up in trying to discern details that may or may not be answered in the text. Amid all the minor questions that arise in Matthew 24, there are major questions that must be answered in the lives of every one of us. So regardless of the details about when or how or where this or that thing is going to happen in the future, ask yourself these questions: Are you ready for whatever may happen in your life this week or in the next year? Are you prepared for what may happen in the world in the next ten years? And are you absolutely certain of where your life will be in eternity? Jesus’ primary goal in Matthew 24 is not to answer our questions about every single detail of the end times, but rather to prepare us for whatever the future may hold, this week, this month, this year, the next ten years, and even the next trillion years from now. Followers of Christ have Someone to bank their future on. There are three words of encouragement for your life and your future found in this chapter. We will look at two today and one next week: First, trust in the authority of Christ. In this text we see Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, and Jesus is going to return. To the disciples, these were tremendous realities, but what does this mean for us? First, the things of this world are passing. Jesus told the disciples in verse 2 that not one stone would be left upon another. The things of this world, the best, the most incredible things of this world are passing. Jesus says this as well in verse 35, “Heaven and earth will pass away.” Second, although Heaven and earth will pass away, Jesus says, also in verse 35, “My words will never pass away.” The truth of His word is permanent. Jesus is Lord of history, and He speaks with authority about the future. Jesus not only knows the future but he appointed it. Jesus spoke about the destruction of Jerusalem, and it happened. He also spoke about His return one day, and that too will happen. So we must trust in His authority and be ready for the day He returns. Second, persevere in the power of Christ. Jesus intends His followers to walk away from this text prepared for what is sure to come before His return. In this chapter we see that followers of Jesus will face deception (vs. 4-5), tribulation (vs. 8), temptation (vs. 10,12), and persecution (vs. 9). Followers of Jesus will experience suffering because they bear the name of Christ, so don’t be surprised at the world’s opposition. Persevere, for “the one who endures to the end will be delivered” (vs. 13). As we persevere, we do so with the promise of Christ’s power and presence, for He tells us at the end of Matthew’s gospel, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (28:20). But as we persevere, we must do so proclaiming this gospel of the kingdom. Jesus shares in verse 14, “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come.” As we do this we will continue to face suffering, but may God help us to proclaim the His truth throughout the world as we persevere in this world.

Discussion - Looking at the text 4. What were some take aways from the sermon? What convicted you? What stood out to you? Explain.

5. Look at verses 1-3. What did Jesus predict concerning the temple in verse 2? When the disciples got together privately with Jesus what two questions did they ask him as a follow-up to his statement in verse 2?

6. In verses 4-8 Jesus begins to explain to the disciples things that are to come. What warning does he give to them in verse 4 and what is the basis for this warning?

7. Jesus predicts in verses 6-8 that there will be wars and rumors of wars and many natural disasters in various places. How does he say they should view these events in verse 6? Should they necessarily view these events as signaling the end of the age (verses 6 and 8)?

8. Verses 9-14 contain predictions about what will happen to the disciples and people after them. How does Jesus say the disciples will be treated by the world?

9. In verses 10-12 what does Jesus say will happen to some church people because of persecution and false prophets?

10. What positive things are said about those who remain faithful to the gospel in verses 13-14? What does Jesus predict about the spread of the gospel of his kingdom before the end comes?

11. Look at verses 15-26. These verses seem to be referring to the events that happened in the Jewish Revolt between 66-70 AD during which time a Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple (and Jesus prophecy concerning the destruction of the temple was fulfilled). What things in verses 16-22 describe the suffering and destruction that took place during that time?

12. The “abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel” mentioned in verse 15 refers to a terrible desecration of the temple that was first predicted by the Old Testament prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:13 and Daniel 11:31). Jesus is saying that something similar will happen again before the temple is destroyed. These events probably took place before the temple was destroyed in AD 70.

13. In verses 23-26 Jesus is cautioning the disciples again that many who proclaim to be the Christ (or Messiah) will appear. What does Jesus say they should do when someone says the Messiah is here or there? According to verse 27 how will they know when the real Messiah comes back to earth?

Discussion - Applying the text 1. What things does this passage challenge you to do in light of the events that will take place before Jesus return?

2. How does this passage prepare you to know what to expect before Jesus’ return?

3. Do you ever doubt that Christ’s second coming will actually happen? What are some factors that lead you to question whether this promise will actually be fulfilled?

4. Explain how this passage points us away from sinful, short term pleasures.

5. How should the second coming of Christ inform our witness in the world?

The Commentary section was adapted from Christ-Centered Exposition; David Platt; 2013 All scripture is from the ESV.

Walk (30 minutes) After enjoying fellowship, worship, and time in God’s word together, it is now time to pray together as a group and encourage one another in the faith. It is very easy for this portion of the group time to be consumed by the other portions. However, this segment of the group time is crucially important. It answers the question, how do we apply what we are learning in Matthew to our lives today? Many groups have found that it is helpful to sometimes break up into a men’s group and a women’s group for the purpose of being able to be more transparent and honest as we encourage one another and keep one another accountable. I encourage you to try this in your groups. In addition to praying for, and encouraging, one another, this portion of the group time should also be used for planning how your group can participate in God’s work outside the walls of our church – “neighbors and nations.” Discuss with your group some ideas on how you can be intentional with building relationships with your neighbors and co-workers. What can your Community Group do to impact the area around you? Here is a list of local ministries Norris Ferry is actively involved in: Hub/purchased Young life Heart of hope First priority Ark-la-Tex crisis pregnancy center Community renewal Grief counseling

Celebrate recovery Samaritan counseling Last call ministries Golden age ministries Rescue mission Luke’s lighthouse FCA

Here is a list of missionaries Norris Ferry is actively involved in: Shannon & Carrie Lewis (South Sudan) Matt & Angie Johnson (Panama) Meggie Hickson (Tanzania) Kyle & Suzy Jagers (New Orleans) May the Lord bless and encourage you as you are in your groups this week! Know that we are praying for you on a weekly basis and that we are here to help you in any way that we can! 


Walk

Prayer & Missions

For further information visit norrisferrychurch.org or contact Jared Clary ([email protected])

Calendar June— Serve Shreveport July— Community Outreach